June 2024

This month brought more color to my home via some hand painting. I really love folk art from various cultures. This ceiling border is an ode to that.

The buffalo has been one of my long standing spirit animals. And, it felt magical to see a fresh herd of ELEVEN baby buffalos...a sign of hope and abundance. And, June brought me so much of both.

Witnessing lifeguards in training was inspiring to me as I take on my own water training for my upcoming triathlon. If I lived in Cali, I'd for sure be joining that crowd.

Paintballing for all the Gemini Birthdays. We left with an adrenaline rush and a few welts and bruises.

Summer is the season for short dresses and tall boots.

I was a silent observer of some water rescue training under my "M Mountain" in Golden. I stood next to a fellow onlooker and she said, "That looks terrifying". And I smiled and said, "It does, but it also looks a lot of fun".

One of my favorite outfits from this month. I thrifted this 80s mid-length skirt and paired it with a tiny corset top. It felt both sophisticated and sexy. It was giving Sade vibes, and you will surely see me in this outfit again this summer.

My favorite river is still closed due to record levels, but that hasn't stopped me from continuing to enjoy the sun and the peaceful ambiance. Oh, and that book is "Sabrina and Corina"; it is a collection of short stories that are set in Denver in the 80s-90s. It has been such a fun read as they reference local landmarks that any Denver Native would know. Plus, it's written by a local Chicana writer. It has inspired me to write more fiction as most of my daily writing is centered in the non-fiction realm.

This '64 Impala was my favorite lowrider from the show we went down to in Pueblo. She was the most gorgeous shade of purple and the etching on the chrome was feminine and artistic.

Auntie (Nina) Duties

Hiked Boulder and then sauntered to go get mimosas. The best part of my day was seeing a former student as I sipped on my 2nd mimosa at 9am. My kids are adults now; of drinking age and graduating college. It made me so happy to see her and to share memories of my first years of teaching.

Made the mandatory stop at Buc-ee's while visiting up north.

Stumbled across a professional skateboarder while visiting the famous Venice Beach Skatepark. I loved the inclusive and chill vibe. I'd happily live my life here.

In the glow on the Boulder Flatirons.

A flashback photo that popped up on my phone: here I am at the age of 2/3 with my posse. My mom isn't even 21 in this photo. She had two kids by then. I love my uncle Chris in the corner...looking so cool with his daughter on his leg. Homie was only 17 here lol. And my beautiful Auntie Angie in the middle looking so elegant. I think she was only fourteen here. I am so blessed to have such a young mother and young aunts/uncles. We still hang out on the stoop just like this.

My Home.

Books and Bikinis

I'm officially signed up for my first triathlon. I am a bit nervous, but I am also excited for a new challenge. I've secured some lake access to practice swimming the buoys and I'll slowly start accumulating my equipment (wetsuit, etc.)

Running the beach was one of the highlights from my trip to Cali.

If you're from Denver...you know where this is.

Bought myself a lawnmower for my 33rd birthday.

Crawfish Boil

Paddle Boarding Babe

Who needs a table when you've got a step ladder and mini-bike.

First camping trip of the summer.

Floating on air (in actuality, training on hills has been a struggle...but I'm loving it).

Ice Cream Date

Tanlines coming in nicely.

It's Daisy Duke season...and my brother-in-law's cutting skills have come into question. lol

Lowrider Show Outfit

Graffiti that made me laugh

Wesley's cheering squad for her first soccer game (there were still a few who didn't make the picture...we move in crowds in this family).

Got Me Started: A gay pop icon with the fun summer vibes we all need. Plus, go check out the album cover (sweating).

Is It Any Wonder: A modern song that echos the songs from Lowrider Music's past.

Cowgirls: Every summer I find myself in the arms of country music. This song captures that wildness I feel in my soul. Being a "never gona settle down girl" and "love you like a mustang / one hand on them giddy-up reins".

How Deep Is Your Love: I've been playing this every evening. A sunset song. It prompts a solo dance, a journal entry, or a couple tears....but it's one of my favorite songs of all time.

Suavecito: This will be the one song played at my funeral. This fact is well-known....but if it's news to you, then you are now obligated to make sure it happens.